Before the summer disappears, try embellishing a pair of your inexpensive flip-flops. Apply fusible web between two pieces of fabric, then die-cut Butterflies. Gather a strip of torn fabric and adhere to middle of Butterflies. Hot glue Butterflies to flip-flops and wrap polka-dot ribbon around center and secure in place. What could be cuter?

Look at what a little gold paint can do!

I've never really invested much in paint created for paper, but after playing with these dies and Texture Fades, I'm hooked. To create the Wings for the Heart, I applied the Texture Fades folder to the die-cut image. I then used a brayer to apply the gold paint to the image. I also applied the paint to the Crown and Swirl. Outlining the Heart with a gold paint pen finished the look. Try adding a stamped image to our 3-D Flower. Buttons, ribbon and glitter finish the look. Give it a try!

Here's just a small preview project I created using the new Tim Holtz dies that are being launched at CHA right now!

I used two Bigz dies (Pine Tree and Winter Wonder), Texture Fades Embossing Folders (Postcard & Sheet Music), a On the Edge Die (Snow Flurries) and a new L size of Mover & Shapers die (Tag & Bookplates). I guess you could say I made this from a "modge podge" of all Tim's stuff. Check out his new lines on Facebook!

Although it has been mentioned here before on this blog, I can't say enough how much I love the 3-D Flower die!

Look what I created for a bridal shower for a coworker. This is something that can be made up weeks before the event. Everything was glued onto the wristlet. How simple is that?

Can you guess how this necklace was created?

Can you believe it was done with shrink plastic? I used dies Flower Layers #2, Flower Layers #5, Tattered Florals by Tim Holtz and Heart Wings by Tim Holtz. I painted the pieces with acrylic paint, sprayed them with a clear acrylic sealer and embellished them with a gold pen, rhinestone, button, pearl head and pearl drop. (I personally think the gold pen made them look like they were enameled :) ). Just another gift you can create with Sizzix dies!

I absolutely love decorating for birthdays! From the biggest idea to the smallest detail, I jump right in trying to personalize the party for that particular person. I run from party stores to thrift shops trying to get that one little finishing touch. A birthday party at work is no exception. I had so much fun making these brownie cupcake holders.

They are quick to make and gave me the result I was looking for.

Measure a paper baking cup (found at craft stores in the baking section) approximately 1" taller and four times the circumference of the cup and cut a piece of crepe paper to those specifications. Gather crepe paper on sewing machine. To make gathering easy, hand wind the bobbin with elastic thread, leaving the regular thread on top, and stitch on the top of the crepe paper about 1/2" from the edge. Stitch another row about 1" from edge. Attach the gathered piece to the cup with hot glue, adjusting gathers, if necessary. Tie a ribbon around the cup where the gathered stitching is located. Adhere in place with glue.

Next, if you haven't used the Bigz 3-D Flowers Die, now is the time! It is waaay fun. Die-cut the Flower from paper. Using a skewer or toothpick and starting at the outer point of the Flower, begin rolling the scalloped piece until it comes to an end. Place a small dab of hot glue on the Flower's end base and insert rolled petals into glue. Hold in place for a brief moment, if necessary, being careful not to touch the hot glue. When cool, attach Flower to center of ribbon bow. Attach small silk or millinery-type flowers. Punch holes on either side of cup and attach glittered pipe cleaner as handle. Drop in brownie cupcake. Almost too pretty to eat!

I love stretching my imagination, especially when it comes to crafting. I was given the opportunity to make four different projects but could only use one die. So here is one of the projects that I came up with.

The tree was made from the Leaf die. What a way to get more bang for the buck! It certainly made me look at all dies differently. Now, if only I could work that creativity with my check book ... LOL!

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I suppose it's that way because I'm not running around crazy trying to get gifts bought, presents wrapped or baskets filled. Without all that pressure, I can sit back and really enjoy the summer event. Now is not too early to start on a 4th of July table centerpiece. This particular project is very inexpensive to make. I purchased the Ball jar at a garage sale, the brown fru-fru, the dowel sticks or pencils, and the "fireworks" at a craft store, all for a couple of bucks. Most everything else was made from paper. I used the Bigz Pinwheel die and the Bigz Stars die. For the flowers, I used the Bigz Hearts die.

Speaking of the flowers, look at them closely. They are all hearts that have been scored, hot glued onto a cardstock circle and glued again to a dowel stick. A threaded button was added as an embellishment. I got this great idea for the Heart flowers from Janna Wilson. So before the summer gets into full swing, get a jump on your holiday decorating and enjoy!

Looking for a quick, unique gift wrapping idea? Tie the sides of a box with string and glue on buttons.

Die-cut the Sizzix Bigz Bow using double-sided paper. Assemble and attach to top of box.

How fun and easy is that? Wonder if yours will be the first gift opened?

It seems like I'm always in hurry to create a card for some last-minute event. (The event is generally not so last minute as much as my timing is!) So, the other day I sat down and die-cut several shapes and Textured Impressions from various papers and placed them in a cupcake pan.

I added buttons and trims to the remaining cups. Now when I'm in a rush, I have everything ready to go.

I created this card from all my little pieces, and it took just minutes! It was also a great way to use my scraps. If you put Sizzix adhesive on the back of your paper before cutting, you will only have to peel and stick the shapes in place.

As promised, I am sending you another idea for the French Fry Box. This could be a "Thinking of You," "Mother's Day" or "Get Well" gift. Notice how the front of the French Fry box was texturized on patterned paper, and then the embossed images were painted over using a brayer. You will need to die-cut the French Fry box first and assemble. Apply patterned paper to cardstock and die-cut only the box front. Apply Textured Impressions to patterned paper and paint. This is a fun little technique that I love to use! When dry, attach to front of box.

I think this design makes the box look lacy! Secure wire on sides of Box. Embellish with butterfly, charm and bow.

Well, here are the results of my adventures to L.A.! I was trying for a vintage look, and although the buttons and rhinestones are new, I think the color and design made everything look old. Embellishing can be the key.

If you've never cut lace and netting from Sizzix Originals and Bigz dies, what's holding you back? Look at what you can create!

Be sure to use lace that has a little more embellishment in it for easier cutting. Place paper on your base as well, then cut and layer, layer, layer. Concerned about washing? Why not make a buttonhole through the layered flower? Stitch a button on your shirt, then button your flower on.

Can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Enjoy!

Debi

President's Day I spent hunting for treasures in L.A. It is probably one of my favorite things to do. I love collecting little embellishments to add to my crafts and cards. I am working on one of those projects today and will have it posted sometime tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Debi

Valentine's Day is a favorite holiday of mine. Besides all the yummy colors, it is an event that can require very little time and effort but can bring much happiness to others. It is really a day about giving. So today I'm posting one of the goodies that I am giving to my friends for Valentine's Day.

It is quick and very easy and actually brought me a lot of joy when making them. Oh, and if don't have the French Fry Box die, it's a must have. You can do something with it for almost any holiday! I'll post some more ideas with this box throughout the year.

Enjoy!

Debi